Adrian Gonzalez Scratched From Red Sox Lineup, Jacoby Ellsbury to Bat Leadoff in Return

It's been 79 games since Jacoby Ellsbury last suited up for the Red Sox, but his return to the Boston lineup should have a big impact on the offense's inconsistent first half.

Ellsbury will leado ff and start in center field for the Sox, as Boston enters Tampa Bay to take on the AL East rival Rays in search of a more successful second half of the season. Daniel Nava, who has led off for much of Ellsbury's absence, has been dropped down a spot and will hit in the No. 2 hole on Friday night.

Adrian Gonzalez, meanwhile, will miss the first game back after the break with some lingering illness that forced him from Sunday's first-half finale. Mauro Gomez gets the start in his absence, and is slated to bat cleanup.

Ryan Sweeney, who has been a slugging machine for the Sox, rounds out the outfield. Pedro Ciriaco gets the start at second base, as Dustin Pedroia continues his rehabilitation from a thumb injury.

The Red Sox will have a tough task ahead of them in Rays starter Jeremy Hellickson (4-5, 3.41). Meanwhile, Franklin Morales (1-2, 3.50) will take the hill for Boston, hoping to regroup after an underwhelming outing against the Yankees last weekend.

Check out the starting lineups for both sides below.

Red Sox (43-43)
Jacoby Ellsbury, CF
Daniel Nava, LF
David Ortiz, DH
Adrian Gonzalez, 1B
Will Middlebrooks, 3B
Jarrod Saltalamacchia, C
Ryan Sweeney, RF
Mike Aviles, SS
Pedro Ciriaco, 2B

Franklin Morales, LHP (1-2, 3.50)

Rays (45-41)
Elliot Johnson, SS
Carlos Pena, 1B
Ben Zobrist, RF
B.J. Upton, CF
Jeff Keppinger, 2B
Sean Rodriguez, 2B
Luke Scott, DH
Desmond Jennings, LF
Jose Lobaton, C

Jeremy Hellickson, RHP (4-5, 3.41)